Transcript File
Executive Branch 1. In creating the office of the President, how did the framers guard against abuse of power? Few specific powers listed in the Constitution Four year terms Carry out laws Checks and balances Appointments/decisions approved by Congress Impeachment/removal Supreme Court rules actions Constitutional or naw 1. In creating the office of the President, how did the framers guard against abuse of power? Qualifications and Salary 35 years old Natural born citizen Resident for 14 years Salary set by Congress 2. Briefly describe four of the President’s roles. Chief Executive Commander-in-Chief Decides how to carry out laws Executive orders Appoint officials Leader of the armed forces Chief Diplomat Leads foreign policy Makes treaties Appoints ambassadors Executive agreements 2. Briefly describe four of the President’s roles. Legislative Leader Proposes legislation (ex. Obamacare) State of the Union Address Sets domestic policy Shapes public opinion in support or opposition to legislation Veto Prepares budget Calls special sessions of Congress 2. Briefly describe four of the President’s roles. Judicial Powers Appoints judges Reduce sentencing/pardon Party leader Chief of State Expresses goals and values of Americans Ceremonial duties Giving medals Symbol of national unity Greets visiting leaders 3. Describe the role of the National Security Council. Helps the President make foreign policy Top military officers Government advisors Foreign Affairs National Defense 4. How does Congress exercise influence over executive departments? Senate approves Presidential appointments to executive departments 5. How do government corporations differ from private businesses? Provide public services that may be too risky or expensive for a private business to undertake Ex. U.S. Postal Service 6. Why did Congress set up the civil service system? Many government positions based on loyalty to President (friends/supporters) Government workers (civil servants) selected based on merit Provides trained workers employed from administration to administration 7. Describe three ways in which Presidents can take action on their own without consulting the other branches of government. Jefferson buying the Louisiana Territory from France Truman issuing executive order putting Secretary of Commerce in charge of steel mills Nixon’s break-in at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters 8. What are some advantages and disadvantages of the power of Presidents to take action on their own? Advantages Make quicker decisions instead of waiting for Congressional approval Disadvantages Abuse power Commit illegal crimes Make spontaneous decisions not wellthought out 9. Why did President Jefferson hesitate before making the Louisiana Purchase? The Constitution did not say Presidents or Congress could buy territory